Eight Odd and Strange Things Nobody Tells You About Florida Life

Florida is famous for its sunshine and beaches, but daily life in the state comes with some truly unique quirks and oddities. Here are eight strange things about Florida life that often surprise newcomers:

1. Alligators Are Practically Neighbors

With over a million alligators in the state, it’s not unusual to spot one in a pond, golf course, or even a neighborhood canal. Floridians learn to keep a watchful eye near any body of water.

2. The Skunk Ape Legend

Florida has its own version of Bigfoot: the Skunk Ape. This mysterious, foul-smelling creature is said to roam the Everglades, and stories of sightings are a staple of local folklore.

3. Lovebug Invasions

Twice a year, swarms of “lovebugs” take over the state. These paired-up insects splatter car windshields and can damage paint if not cleaned off quickly. Their brief but intense mating season is dreaded by drivers.

4. Mountains Are Actually Landfills

Florida is the flattest state in the U.S. The highest “peaks” are often man-made landfills, which can seem like mountains compared to the surrounding landscape.

5. No Basements—Ever

Thanks to the high water table and sandy soil, basements are virtually nonexistent in Florida homes. Many lifelong residents have never even seen one in person.

6. Bizarre Town Names

Florida is home to towns with names like “Two Egg,” a name that originated from Depression-era bartering. These quirky place names are part of the state’s charm.

7. Wild Weather and Lightning Capital

Florida is notorious for sudden, intense thunderstorms and is the lightning capital of the U.S. Some areas, like Clearwater, experience more lightning strikes per capita than anywhere else in the country.

8. Public Bathing Suit Culture

It’s common to see people shopping or running errands in bathing suits, not just at the beach but in grocery stores and other public places. The casual dress code is a true Florida hallmark.

Florida’s oddities are part of what makes life in the Sunshine State so memorable. From legendary creatures to lovebug swarms and the ever-present alligator, these quirks are just another day in Florida.

Sources: